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FOREWORD 

The English Notes which go to 
make up this Chinese Class book 
are the result of a game which the 
President of the Woman s Anglo- 
Chinese College of Neuchang, China, 
induced the seven Chinese girls of 
the graduating class to play during 
the last six months of their College 
course. 'The Notes were read aloud 
in class, taken down by a steno- 
grapher, and afterwards arranged 
alphabetically by the Biographer as- 
sisted by the President of the Col- 
lege. At the request of interested 
friends the President has now per- 
mitted the publication of these Notes 
exactly as they were originally pro- 
duced, without revision, that the 
unique atmosphere pervading them 
might not be lost. 



M 




fixl 



Irrf^i Because I drew the B I have; 
honor to commence this 
"Class book. For once English A comes not' 
at* the head, for our Artist, (whoever is she ?) 
can at the first do nothing. 

It all began thus: The first of last semes- 
ter in the English class Each, most horribly 
read. Miss Sterling, (our Adored Teacher), 
play with rings and shake head and say, 
"Girls, why do you all mispronounce that 
word, B-0-U-G-H-? It is pronounced — 
Bow — like this. " She arise and make grand 
Kow-Tow, "Or like this," she shake head 
until little yellow curls all up and down dance 
and say, "Bow-wow! Bow-wow! Bow- 
wow!" The door open and Miss Powers, 
(our Honored President), come in. She 
say nothing, but LOOK! Ging Muoi giggle. 
Miss Sterling grow all white and pink like 
Chinese lady. Then Miss Powers speak 
much dignified: 

"We are here to teach these young ladies 
the art of deportment; can it be 
that you were demonstrating a 
lesson on manners, Miss Sterling?" 

Miss Sterling opens lips; no 
sound come out and her blue eyes 
with tears fill up. Most times so 
timid I cannot tell or act out what 
I most long to do, but I love Miss 1 
Sterling. 



Miss Powers," I say, afraid forgetting, 
"May I* have speech?" 

Miss Powers smile with corners of mouth 
only and say, "Yes, Bing Ding, proceed." 

"You know what kind girls we are, Miss 
Powers, of such a stupidness that we cannot 
of the English to learn. We only are to 
blame, not Miss Sterling," I say, then afraid 
remember and sit down. 

"It is true that our language is very diffi- 
cult for you," say Miss Powers most gra- 
ciously. "And in order that you may learn 
to construct and pronounce it correctly, I 
propose that this last semester of your Col- 
lege course, you play a game that we may 
call 'English Notes/ Have any of you ever 
heard of it?" When we told her we had not 
so heard, she smile with chin also, and hold 
to view small package all of a whiteness. 

"These are sealed envelopes," she say. 
"Each one contains one of the first seven 
letters of the English Alphabet: A, B, C, D, 
E, F, G, a letter for each girl. Miss Sterling, 
will you be kind enough to give them to the 
young ladies?" 

It seemed of a purpose that to me came 
Miss Sterling last. Afterward, when I so 
state privately to her, she smile all about 
and say, "It is most fortunate that your 
envelope contains the B, Bing Ding, for being 
a Eurasion, you can write the English more 
fluently than the others." But that is of] 



Biography unimportant, so I return to where 
I stop. 

Fuku start to open envelope, Miss Powers 
hold out hand and say, "Wait, Fuku, and 
I will tell you about the game. It is played 
thus:" 

"For the next five months, every Saturday 
each girl must deposit in my office letter-box 
an unsigned, written paper of not less than 
two hundred English words, on a topic cor- 
responding to the word represented by the 
letter found in her envelope. For example: 
A stands for the Artist of the class. B — 
for the Biographer. C — Correspondent. D 
— Diarist. E — Essayist. F — Folklorist. G — 
Genius, to her goes my heartfelt sympathy/ ' 
Miss Powers look at Miss Sterling and draw 
down corners of mouth and take on sadness. 
All Chinese girls grow solemnity, but Miss 
Sterling laugh, and we know it is of Ameri- 
can funniness, and are much relieved. 

"Bing Ding will distribute this writing- 
paper which I wish you to use in preparing 
your articles," say Miss Powers, and again 
hold to view a package, this time of much 
largeness and most blue. "Six of you will 
begin playing the game this week. A, can- 
not play until next week; her name, alone, I 
must know that I may send her the papers 
to illustrate after they are typed. " 

"On next Monday afternoon and on all 
the following Mondays, I shall expect you 



to come to my study at Two of the clock, to 
drink tea and play your game. That is all 
now, Young Ladies, except that each girl 
must keep the secret of her letter; that is 
for her alone. Good after noon," and Miss 
Powers disappear with much graceful car- 
riage, of which all Chinese girls admire but 
cannot to imitate. 

Miss Powers great lady; of a tallness and 
much commanding, with snow hair and 
bright eyes — at times of a hardness like steel 
— of them we have much fear. For Miss 
Powers we have admiration greatly but our 
love we cannot show out to her; only can we 
show that to Miss Sterling who is of great 
dearness, with heart of so great bigness that 
for her we take the name of "Mother Heart." 
Each, to her gather and wish of her that she 
may play the new foreign game with us, but 
she make explanation that of the letters 
there are but seven, and soon all Chinese 
girl go to herself alone and open her en- 
velope. As I have before spoken, B, was 
in mine. A Biographer I have now become. 
I shall at once at the Dictionary of the 
Centuries arrive and study to show forth the 
meaning of my word. 

When we went forth on the first Monday 
afternoon to play our game and drink the 
tea of our Honored President, the Chrysan- 
themums were of great beauty. For many 



[6] 



days the gardener had present pots of 
Chrysanthemums of great choiceness, so that 
the walks of the Compound and the steps 
leading to Miss Powers' study were of a two 
times border; inside part show tiny yellow 
and white hemispheres, outside part show 
much large yellow globes. When I behold 
Chrysanthemums to me alone I say, "Can 
it be English flower-book is of a rightness? 
'That a heart to desolation is now left?' 
Perhaps the foreign game we cannot play." 
and I enter much afraid. 

Miss Powers meet us on balcony and in- 
vite us in and to take seat; we have hesita- 
tion for Chinese must not at once sit down, 
but Miss Powers command, "Be seated, it 
is the American way." Then she wave hand 
to tray on table and say, " Young Ladies, 
here are your notes; I have had them put 
into type that you may not know whose 
notes you are reading. Go forward, Cui Ai, 
and select one to read aloud." 

We watch with carefulness Cui Ai open 
paper and read of Folk-lore. I look about, 
but girls' faces all most composed and to me 
I think, "That paper is of Cui Ai's own 
make," when I see Fuku all of a shakiness 
and am full of doubt. 

Miss Powers ask of each girl to read in 
turn until there is but one remainder, Fuku, 
who seems much offended that she comes at 
the last. She take paper, open, throw on 



[7] 



floor with great noise. First time like little 
squeak of mouse, second time like Chinese 
Tom-Tom, and all time kick at paper on floor 
with much strength of purpose. We at 
once arise and when the foot of Fuku is high 
in air Da Hua make rescue of paper. Miss 
Powers say, "Be seated, Young Ladies," 
and we sit down with stillness; but Fuku 
keep most noisy. Miss Powers sit at tele- 
phone and by and by Dr. Ewing come and 
try to introduce Fuku into next-door room 
but she cry, "No, No, it is not my will to 
go! I shall of the paper now read." Then 
she again squeak and Tom-Tom, and Dr. 
Ewing draw up arm and put big slap in 
Fuku's nose centre. Fuku at once come to 
self and say, "Where am I?" When she 
look see us — six Chinese girls in a row sitting 
— she put up thumbs to cover face and it 
seem as if she would cry to death, and all 
time she whisper, "Take me away! Take 
me away! I belong not to the land! I am 
of the boat people!" 

We look at Each, full of dumbness. A 
boat child! Born of a people without a 
foundation, whom the Gods had command 
to live all the many moons to come on the 
water and never again upon the land! Im- 
possible! But Miss Powers put finger to 
lips and nod head, and we know that it is 
of a truth that Fuku has spoken. 

By and by Fuku go with Dr. Ewing and 



Miss Powers say one half to ownself, one 
half to ourself, "Poor little girl," and look 
about at Each, most earnestly. 

"Young Ladies, you have much to give 
thankfulness for," she say. "It is good to 
be well born. I shall tell you of Fuku that 
you may help her to overcome these unfor- 
tunate attacks. It is as she said, she is of 
the boats. When a little child playing on 
the deck of her boat-home, the rope fastened 
about her waist, parted, and she fell into the 
water. She struck her head as she went 
down, which I think partly accounts for these 
attacks; when she came up, an American 
who happened to be passing that point in a 
sampan, caught her by her long hair and 
tried to give her back to her parents, but 
they said, 'Return her to the water. The 
Water Gods have claimed her; she is theirs, 
not ours. We will not take her back/ So 
he brought her to me. Here she has grown 
up and from here, God willing, she will go 
forth into the world a noble woman!" 

Then Miss Powers make a little prayer of 
Fuku and we drink of the tea and eat of the 
cakes of much sweetness. The clock strike 
five times before we leave the home of our 
Honored President. 

When we arrive at her balcony a strange 
happening come to view. The Chrysanthe- 
mum pots were all departed. In their place 
were our lilies of China, nodding tiny heads 



in greeting as we pass over the walks to our 
dormitory. I go most quickly that I may 
arrive at the English Flower-book, for I 
know not the meaning of our lilies. 

For five moons we play at game with great- 
est pleasure and much gaining of English. 
All read aloud with more understanding and 
our Honored President say we also write 
better. No Chinese girl know what other 
Chinese girl have written, so we talk of 
papers most freely and with great funniness. 

One afternoon when we had complete our 
Readings and were drinking the tea of our 
Honored President, she say, "Do you realize, 
Young Ladies, that we shall meet together 
but once more, then our game is finished ?" 

When we told her that we had not so 
realized and were full of sorrow, she say, "I, 
too, am sorry for I have enjoyed the play." 
Then she look all about and of a suddeness 
request — "How many girls wish to com- 
memorate our game?" We look at Each. 
Commemorate is an Americanism uncom- 
mon; we not the meaning know, but Miss 
Powers' bright eyes most kind and at once 
we hold up hands. She nod head and say, 
"I thought so! All of you! Each week I 
have marked the papers which you voted 
' best. ' If your Biographer will select and 
arrange them I will have them printed in 
book form that each girl may possess a Class 



[IO] 



book." We have haste to assure her that 
such a possession will be most pleasureable, 
and Eng Muoi jump on feet and say out 
loudly, "Our Honored President must also 
posess Class book. " Fear comes at sound of 
voice and at once she sit down. Miss Powers 
smile most graciously and say, "Thank you, 
Eng Muoi,^ I would like one, but there is 
one condition, it is necessary that I shall 
know which girl has the B — not in her 
bonnet," she laugh, and we join with laugh- 
ter, for we also have knowledge of the bon- 
net-B. 

Next morning I have honor to walk from 
Chapel with Miss Powers (our Honored 
| President) and tell to her of my troubles. By 
the Dictionary of the Centuries, a Biographer 
speaks of one human in one book. How then 
can I be a Biographer of correctness ? 

"But a Class book is different," Miss 
Powers say most polite. "It is a chronicle 
of College life, Bing Ding." I am much 
puzzled. On steamer days Cui Ai present 
Miss Sterling with American newspaper and 
say, "Here is Chronicle!" Is newspaper in 
America all the same as book? Miss Powers 
tell, in Class book must be something written 
by, and about Each; also something about 
Residence and Doings. I will therefore now 
make picture of our Adorable College. It is 
situate on hills of Island grown from the 
shining bosom of river Ping. At left hand 



the Monastery of Dreams stands of a white- 
ness of snow, from the tall mountain— 
Kushan. At right hand, if eyes follow glis- 
tening trail many Li (miles) by and by see 
blue of ocean of an unexplainable vastness. 
And all time — of gold with shining of Sun — 
of silver with Moonbeams play, sleeps the 
great, beautiful river Ping. 

The seven buildings of our adorable Col- 
lege are of a brick and stand quite at the top 
of hill. From their feet green lawns run 
away down to hide their greenesses in shadow 
of wall which about the Compound en- 
circles. This wall, of a ten-foot height, from 
grey stone is made. At top of stones, not 
too often, posts stand of a color like lawn, 
and upon posts looking at sky, sits the 
balustrade made of stone of a redness to be 
afar. When the wistaria is full of 



seen 



bloom many times have I wish to sit upon 
balustrade that I might make rain of wis- 
taria blossoms upon Honorable Strangers 
making entrance through door in wall, but 
Sedia (the keeper of the gate) is of much 
strength and bigness and I do not dare. 



Today when from Chapel we arrive, on 
breeze of morning come sound of Tom-Tom 
from without the Compound wall. All 
Chinese girl run down to gate. Miss Ster- 
ling enter in and Sedia at once close gate but 
not too quickly. In opening, I view Chinese 



all about box in street-centre standing. On 
box, man; he make movement to turn face, 
and to me alone I cry, "It is He of the Bridge 
of the Ten Thousand Ages!" My soul is in 
darkness and my feet have wings. I fly far 
away. When I wish no more to fly I cannot 
cease, but go onward. At last I fall to 
earth and know no more. 

When I awake it is in a place of strange- 
ness — a room full of sunshine, making en- 
trance through windows of much number. 
The walls and carpets are of the blue of the 
sky; the chairs, dressing-table and couch 
upon which I lie are all of a whiteness; the 
Mieng about me is again blue. I shut my 
eyes in wonderment; all is of beauty extraordi- 
nary! A hand comes to my miserable fore- 
head and Mother Heart (Miss Sterling) give 
of sympathy to her unhappy child. 

The memory of being like Fuku— not well 
born— smites my heart and bids my tongue 
be still. I speak not. By and by Miss Ster- 
ling whisper, "Why did you run away from 
the gate, Bing Ding?" I whisper return: 
"It was He of the Bridge of the Ten Thou- 
sand Ages. Of his power I have greatest 
fear. If He find, He will sell me to be a 
slave, for to him do I owe my most miserable 
existence." Miss Sterling's eyes flash of 
fire and she say, "No! No! I will have 
care. " 

Comfort to my heart creeps in, and I have 



speech with her of the Story Teller of the 
Streets. How, seventeen years past by, He 
was telling tales from box as now happen, 
and to Chinese all about standing, He say, 
" Do good deeds ! Be of unselfishness! Have 
of others care!" One Chinese laugh and 
make large fun of Story Teller and say, 
"Why, O Wise Man, dost thou not perform 
goodnesses, thyself? Just now I pass over 
the Bridge of the Ten Thousand Ages and 
beside the stones of bridge I view babe of 
new birth. Go, thou, and take of it all care. " y \ 
To save his face the Story Teller went upon 
the bridge and took the babe unto his arms 
and house; but having children of much 
number, that night when all was dark that 
none could see, he went again upon his way 
and with him went the babe. I could no 
more speak. 

Miss Sterling press my unworthy hand 
and say, "I know the rest, Bing Ding. He 
took you to an orphanage where we found 
you and brought you here that you might be 
educated. Have no fear; I will take care 
of you." I cry out of joy now, so happy to 
be of safety in Miss Sterling's heart. 

Our last game is played. Next week we 
graduate. The separation as of one family 
is upon us. We have been most happy in 
our Adorable College and are full of sadness 
that Each, alone her way must go. Some 



[Hi 



Chinese girls to be married, other Chinese 
girls, teachers to become. I, with Mother 
Heart to America, am going. 

Times of much number have I been to the 
study of our Honored President to make ar- 
rangements of our Class book. With Miss 
Powers' assistance I have honor to select of 
the papers those that of our Adorable College 
make pictures of clearness. That when Each, 
goes by self, one reading in Class book will 
bring forth memories and together we will 
all be sitting, playing our game and drinking 
the tea of our Honored President. When so 
sitting, will please Each, give thought of 
kindliness to most humble Biographer, is the 
wish of your most unworthy 



Woman s Anglo-Chinese College, 
Neuchang, China, June 15th. 



BING DING. 



[§M|)//Y * herj shed and Honorable 
^■HnA.^ Mother ; Moy Sen. 

Most respectful salutations, Bing Ang. 

Bing Ang. 

Your lazy and careless child has much that 
she wishes to say to you, while her heart 
bleeds because she is separate by so many 
miles from the most to be revered Mother. 

Though so great distance divide us, yet 
my heart is as near to you as ever; rivers and 
mountains will hinder us from seeing one 
another, but they can never give obstruction 
to our mutual love and help. 

By day and by night I pray for your 
safety and I offer to heaven much incense, 
and also foods, and my hope is that no harm 

may come near to your house. 

Before the rise of the sun each day I make 

my worship as you have taught me, though 

many of the girls in this College do not so, and 

sometimes I have very great fear that the 

Guis (devils) will all swallow up on this account. 
One day Miss Sterling come 

into my room and say, "It offends 

me much to see so many tablets 

and images here; will you not 

place them away from sight at 

least?" This I do at once having 

greatest fear to offend and bring 

upon us all great troubles though 

not yet come. 




Miss Sterling, so beautiful, so good, so full 
kind thoughts for every one, all girls in this 
College say, "She too kind, too good. " 
Already I love Miss Sterling so much my 
heart ache to do some good thing for her. 

Last night all girls in this College go take 
walk on far hills to see set of sun in Ocean; 
Miss Sterling walk by me and say, "Please 
try a little to speak out your thought when 
possible for how then can we help you to 
better ones?" I promise to try but I always 
so afraid, O I know I not worthy to speak out 
my mean thoughts to great people, who all 
so wise so clever. 

For a long time Miss Sterling talk to me of 
her home in America across the great water, 
and she tell me many stories of how she live 
there, how all people live, what kind, beauti- 
ful country is America; sometimes I think I 
see bright tears in her eyes when she so talk, 
and then I feel sharp pain go into heart, for 
I well know that this time Miss Sterling 
think she like much to go to American home. 

When Miss Sterling go to American home 
I surely cry to death; many other girls in 
the College say same thing. 

Each girl in College have one duty for 
every day, mine very nice kind, must to look 
all about mails, what time come, what time 
go, when Steamers close, carry mail to rooms, 
keep care stamps and all writing materials. 

All this make for me very great interest, 



when big mail come in, every body so much 
excitement, every body snatch letters then 
run away and read — read like hungry dog 
bite bone. Miss Sterling all time get very 
big letter, very large character on cover, 
color blue; when big blue letter not come, O 
then Miss Sterling too sad. One day I very 
bold and say: "Miss Sterling you very 
much love big blue letter?" she all smiling 
say, "Yes truly I do love big blue letter the 
very best of all." 

This time we have very . hard work, for 
spring time near, and much of work is to be 
done before we to our homes may go. 

One day Miss Powers say, "Perhaps we 
are giving too much hard work just now, 
perhaps more better we go on river have play 
for one week." O then all College have 
greatest joy and excitement; girls all time 
talk, what can do, how can do. Some times 
girls talk too late at night, Matron have much 
hard work. When Matron say, "No more 
of talk tonight," then all very still for little 
while, then when Matron go far away, talk 
begin again, and go on and on. Matron 
have another bad trouble with girls, every 
Chinese girl think she die if air from night 
get into her lungs, so she go to bed and pull 
Mieng all over head and ears so no air can 
touch her. Today too sad thing happen, 
Miss Sterling fall ill, cannot to class room 
come, Dr. Ewing say cannot do work for 



many days, and ask Matron to send some 
good girl to help Nurse. Matron appoint me 
to go, I most happy to have honor, and be- 
cause of this I can no more write at this time. 

TO MY HONORABLE FAMILY, BING ANG. BING ANG. 
YOUR MOST MISERABLE AND CONTEMPTIBLE CHILD. 

Neucbangy China. 
January 25th. 

To My Honorable and Wise Mother ', Moy Sen> 
Greetings, Bing Ang. Bing Ang. 

Two Moons ago I have sorrow to tell you 
Miss Sterling very ill. This time I have 
great gladness to tell you she all well again 
and we all happiness once more. 

Great joy and pain have gone over our 
heads like flocks of birds since last time I have 
Honor to write to you. 

Both day and night I watch over Miss 
Sterling though Matron say many times I 
must to go into air or be ill. Nothing can 
my heart comfort but to every moment look 
to see if some little thing I may not do to 
relieve Miss Sterling from so great pain. 
Every day the burnings of the fever make 
fire in brain of our Adorable Miss Sterling 
until she know nothing of what say or of 
what do, this all too terrible, and make my 
heart to bleed most so of all when she cry 
out one name over and over again, this name 
sound like Dick, Dick, sometimes Dear Dick, 
then most times she try to rise up, but is too 



[22] 



weak and so she sink back on pillows and lie 
so still, so still, I freeze with fear she be dead, 

then I creep out and cry to death, and 
pray pray to heaven, and burn much in- 
cense, and then creep back and bend close 
over Miss Sterling to hear if any little waver- 
ing breath come from lips or not, for it seem 
to me she is surely to die. 

One day very strange thing happen. Nurse 
go out and say I am to watch all what Miss 
Sterling do? if she call out or move to rise 

1 must give to her of large bottle one portion. 
A very long time I watch every breath, then 
all suddenly Miss Sterling try to sit up, and 
cry out: "Where am I, What has happened? O 
yes I remember I am in China" — and she 
sink back on pillows, like one little baby she 
fall asleep, all so full of peace and so quiet 
and still. When Nurse come back and I 
tell her of all this, she say — "O yes the climax, 
now Miss Sterling will surely live I think." 
That moment such a joy, too great to bear, 
come into my heart, I could to shout for 
gladness, and all the other girls too glad also. 

Now every day Miss Sterling one little 
bit stronger grow, so that Miss Powers prom- 
ise us she soon will be able to go on beautiful 
river fete, for that day all wait with heart of 
gladness. 

BING ANG. BING ANG. 

FROM YOUR DETESTABLE AND FOOLISH CHILD. 

Neucbang, China. 
March 20tb. 



Most Honorable and Wise Mother, Moy Sen, 
Greetings. Bing Ang. Bing Ang. 

So wonderful thing happen since last time 
I write, my poor language can nothing show 
out of what my heart now hold. 

Have patience with my dull and stupid 
writing while to you I give one complete 
history. 

On the fifth day of this Moon Miss Powers 
say — "Tomorrow morning all girls in this 
College have clothing and beds ready packed, 
for river fete. Ten boats wait at Short 
Bridge landing. Ten of the clock strike all 
must be there. Each girl take one carrying 
basket, no more." 

Next day two hours before rise of sun all 
girls run up and down make large noise and 
excitement. 

Matron and Cook make much shoutings, 
Coolies work very hard to pack 30 food 
baskets, 20 bags rice, 20 live chickens, 60 
carrying baskets, 3 cot beds for teachers, 
just outside gate 60 man and women Coolies 
wait to carry all safely to Boat. 

This time every body talk at same time, 
most time shout, every body say Hurry! 
Hurry! Cook, because head man, talk most 
loudly, part time jump on table, wave long 
bamboo stick and command all to work 
rightly. After two hours time, yet no make 
start. What reason ? Miss Powers come out 
and say very sternly, "Cook, why do you not 





'All Day Long Very Good Water, Very Much Pleasure' 



. 



send baskets to Boats? it is long past time." 
Cook say "All ready" and open gates, let 
outside Coolies come in, then sixty more 
Coolies shout and begin to fight, because 
every body will to carry the light loads, 
and no body will to carry the heavy ones! 
Again Cook climb on table and compel 
every one to do his work rightly. 

Twelve o'clock strike, all things on board 
boats, every body happy to make start. 
River men have much trouble to get boats 
off because of high wind and waves against 
Bridge. At last all started safely, every body 
sing songs, play games, and enjoy to look 
see all things which pass on river. 

All day very good water, very much pleas- 
ure, all night good sleep by bank of river 
placing Miengs on floor of Boats. Next day 
very happy till noon then come very high 
winds, and much rough water, after long time 
men begin loud shoutings, and take down 
high covers from overhead. "What matter, 
What matter?" every body cry out, all fear 
some trouble come, boatmen say — "Now 
come to rapids, very swift, very dangerous, 
many bad rocks." 

I well remember how many boats go to 
pieces on such rocks, so I hide my head and 
see nothing, only shake with fear, only can 
hear screams, and know some boat has al- 
ready gone on the rocks. 

Now our Captain began to shout to our 



men the awful shout — "Buy your coffins," 
"Buy your coffins" and I know well that 
this means that we too will soon be on the 
rocks. Then I could only pray to heaven 
that we be not all drowned. 

At last come one most awful crash, some 
girls catch hold of me and cry, others make 
most awful screamings, and because the boat 
is fast rilling with water all try quickly to 
climb upon the rocks, only I am left in Boat 
at last, and am much too afraid to move. 
Suddenly one Coolie lift me by arm and throw 
me over on rocks with sacks of rice and bas- 
kets of bedding. 

Now we all very sure it is to die that we 
have come on this great river, and so we wait. 

Over us the sky shine in glory of sun set, 
nothing of this do we see, only do we know 
of cold and great fear and of wetness, and 
pain most miserable. 

Where our other Boats, where our most 
dear Miss Sterling? We look up river and 
down, some boats top-side, some bottom- 
side, two boats on rocks, like our own poor 
broken one. Now night comes swiftly, all 
grows dark and we more and more afraid, 
every one say — "Now we die!" "Now we 
die!" I alone think not so, but very sorrow- 
ful and cry in my heart, but not with my lips. 

Whole heart eat out with fear that our most 
precious Miss Sterling may already be 
drowned, no body can to tell. 



[26] 



After long time we hear men calling loudly, 
one boat comes near to our rocks in darkness, 
we could only see one little lantern like insect 
Hash. 

"Who comes near our rocks?" we say, and 
through the black night comes Miss Ster- 
ling's voice to us. O what joy. Quickly I 
run to edge of rocks and hold out arms to her 
with heart beating loudly for gladness, all 
our miserable lives will now be saved we 
know this of a truth. 

In one breath Miss Sterling cry out "Are 
all safe, Is no one hurt here?" and we say, 
"No one is hurt, only all so horribly afraid, 
so wet, and cold." 

At once Miss Sterling have Coolies make 
big fire on rocks, make all dry and warm, 
get rice ready cooked then girls eat with long 
hair pins for chopsticks like playing at feast 
when children. 

After long time Miengs quite dry, Miss 
Sterling say all must try to sleep, she so like 
Mother make all cover up warmly then no 
cover left for herself, I see this and make 
her take one half of my blanket and we lie 
down so closely I can hear poor Miss Sterling 
heart beat, O so fast and loudly, then I know 
she have much fear, but too proud, too brave 
to let girls know she also afraid; this all I 
cannot bear, so I put arms about Miss Ster- 
ling and beg her to let me be good helper to 
her, I say " Chinese girl very strong, Ameri- 



can girl not so, our Chinese people very- 
strange and make you afraid; dear Miss 
Sterling not any one can harm you while 
I live, believe me true." 

Miss Sterling then say if any thing happen 
to her I must to write letter to Dr. Richard 
Newman and tell to him all what happen 
here, and he will of me take care because I 
her good friend. Then Miss Sterling tell 
me all about this Friend also all about when 
she very little girl she go live with old lady 
called Aunt because Father and Mother 
both die; this Aunt only go Church, nothing 
play, nothing laugh, nothing happy look see, 
always sad, always talk little girl some day 
go be Missionary. By and By little girl 
grow up, then Aunt say, "Now time come 
go Mission field." 

That same time Miss Sterling very much 
love one man Dr. Newman he no like her go 
Mission pigeon; What can do? That time 
Miss Sterling break heart, but she say, No, 
I good girl, no turn back, no break promise 

I to Aunt. Dr. Newman angry to death. 

| Miss Sterling nothing say, only go away 
without good-by say. Long time Dr. New- 
man keep anger, no write letter, now write 
much blue letter and say all time, "Come 
back, Come back?" 

This all give Miss Sterling too much sor- 
row, not know rest of heart, not know what 
to do; I perish of thought about all this, and 



I say "I will all well do for you that you 
may live and go back to this Doctor man that 
you so truly love some day quite soon. " 

Before Miss Sterling can reply make, we 
hear sudden loud shoutings from all parts of 
river, and because the light is beginning to 
come we can a little see, and wonderful 
things we do see, hundreds of boats come 
near our rocks. Miss Sterling cry with joy- 
fulness, "O these men have come to save 
Chinese girl know these men do not 



us. 



save, well we know they come only to rob 
and murder and take slaves, for these are 
river pirates. 

Now I know the time has surely come when 
I must with life protect Miss Sterling, so I 
cry to all people on rocks to take bamboo 
poles and fight for lives, not one pirate must 
come on rocks or we die. Every girl know 
this true, and our boatmen help and fight 
strongly; so fast do all hit at men with poles 
that they much surprised, and after a little 
while go away to talk and say — what do. 
Just that time Miss Sterling look see how 
water rise swiftly and she well know that 
soon our rocks will be covered and we all 
drown, so with face as white as paper she 
go to edge of rocks and call to one of pirate 
band and say— "I give you $20 gold if you 
will all to land carry." He only laugh and 
say— "$150 gold" she say "$50" he say 
"$120" she say "#75" he say "$100" she 



[29] 



say, "All right $100" and in one minute 
all men begin work to carry us on shore. 

Most girls very afraid and say pirates no 
keep word, no can trust to take to shore 
safely. 

Miss Sterling and I say not so, Chinese 
always keep word even pirates do so. 

Most strange, most wonderful when we 
land and turn back to look at rocks where we 
spend the night we see nothing but swift 
water running like wild horses over that place, 
and we know that so nearly had we been 
drowned that nothing could have us saved 
if Miss Sterling had not been so wise, so 
clever. 

This letter is of too great longness already. 

MY BING ANG TO MY HONORABLE BROTHERS AND 
SISTERS 

FROM YOUR UTTERLY CONTEMPTIBLE CHILD 

Neucbangy April 5th. 

Most Wise and Honorable Mother, Moy Sen, 
Greetings. Bing Ang. Bing Ang. 

After four adorable years in this most dis- 
tinguished and advantageous College I am 
now about to go to the home of my Mother- 
in-law in this same village. 

To go is like fire against my face. 

Day and night I cease not to weep and 
nothing can turn me about from much 
weeping. 

Miss Sterling come in to me often and say, 



[30] 



"To marry is right and proper, my husband 
will be very wise because he is learned man, 
I go to live with kind, not cruel, Mother-in- 
law, I must not longer weep and refuse food. " 

Truly I try at all times to please Miss 
Sterling, but to cease I cannot. 

I with all of wonder and nothing of under- 
standing see how with joy and song like 
bird Miss Sterling go about the house pack- 
ing trunks, boxes all things make ready to go 
America side to marry with Dr. Newman; 
truly she so happy she send out light from 
every part, from top of head to sole of foot. 
Miss Sterling say to me she no have fear of 
Mother-in-law what she say, how she do, 
how best to please Mother-in-law so as to 
escape beatings daily or other hard punish- 
ments. 

Miss Sterling reveal to me how Dr. New- 
man have one adorable, beautiful home al- 
ready builded, already furnished, where they 
two live without Mother-in-law to live with 
them. 

I very glad and astonished about these 
things, so like beautiful, golden dream, while 
for my own marriage I have only terror, and 
cannot but weep all the day. 

Today my betrothed came to College to 
have speech with me, also to make plans for 
our marriage; Miss Sterling come to fetch 
me to see Honorable betrothed, but finding 
my miserable eyes all swollen from many 



tears, contemptible nose all red, whole face 
most ugly, she begin to bathe face with 
Cologne and say she will not have such 
things; she will to betrothed freely speak 
that he must make separate home for me 
after the American way. My heart stand 
still with I know not what kind of fears, but 
Miss Sterling never mind, she drag me after 
her to Reception room, seat me before Hon- 
orable betrothed into whose face I dare not 
to look, and then she talk many hours to 
show out how much better way American 
way to make home. 

I listen and tremble like awful chill. O, if 
Honorable betrothed would only listen and 
believe ! 

At last he speak giving good assurance 
that he will all carry out as Miss Sterling has 
requested. Then all my heart rise up and go 
out to Miss Sterling in blessing; when Hon- 
orable betrothed come and stand before me 
and make solemn promise. I in return beg 
Honorable betrothed to pardon the con- 
temptible selfishness of selfish me, that such' 
unspeakable gladness come to me with this] 
promise. 

Now almost I could love him that he this) 
thing will do for poor unworthy me. Can it 
be that to Chinese girl also can come glad- 
ness to marry, and can come that love sol 
wonderful, so strange that Miss Sterling has] 
told me of? 



Today beautiful gift come from Honorable 
betrothed one messenger bring to me large 
blue No. i Lacquer box, in box two gold and 
jade bracelets, most fine, most rare; when I 
try bracelets on arms all girls come look see, 
all say — "Too excellently fine," "Too daz- 
zlingly beautiful," "Too costly," "All same 
high Official lady," — "All same Princess." 

This give me much elevation of heart, but 
I careful not show out what feel, only say, 
"Gift too small, too ugly, too mean." This 
time Miss Sterling go with me to street to 
buy all things proper for wedding, I find in 
it great pleasure, and all the girls most in- 
terest to look see. 

Another visit from Honorable betrothed, 
this time I Not afraid so much and can a little 
tell out, after Miss Sterling praise me, and 
say now I become as American girl not too 
timid. O these American ways very new, 
very strange to Chinese girl but now I have 
no more fear to marry and sit all day working 
on beautiful red Marriage shoes and weep 
not any more, truly this is magic, and not any 
devil magic to make fear come. 

Now on my fingers I can count the days 
when you and my Honorable Sisters and 
Brothers will come to my Marriage. O then 
can speak out all things which now too 
ignorant, too afraid to write. 

At all times my prayers go up to the 



1st Moon — ist day. 

eign to listen to me, an 
unworthy jmember of the 
'graduating ^cTass of the Woman's Anglo- 
Chinese College of Neuchang, for by lot I am 
Keeper of Diary of the class of which I have 
before spoken, and now make statement: 

Firstly — That I know not how to so do 
and will make secret consultation among our 
most Learned Teachers that they may give 
unto me of their wisdom. 

Lastly — That if the tongues of our Great- 
est Ones yield me not the so great secret, 
then will I ask of Dr. Ewing that I may look 
upon the book in which she writeth nightly, 
after the stars gleam forth. 

Jtb day — Last night I made three journey- 
ings — upon our Honored President (Miss 
Powers), our Adorable Teacher (Miss Ster- 
ling) and our Beloved Doctor (Miss Ewing). 
After diverse conversation, that they know 
not whereof my visit is made, I ask of each 
Honorable Person the so great { 
question — "Of what does a diary 
consist?" 

Our Honored President make 
explanation, "It is a register of 
daily happenings or duties and is 
most useful for reference. I have 
kept one for years." The word 
duties she spake with stress of 



[37] 



voice. Shall I then transcribe the College 
hours of hair-brushing or tooth-washing? 

When to Miss Sterling I make question, 
her face become as the rosy dawn. "A 
diary is a book of so great intimacy that the 
writing there in is to be looked upon only by 
the eyes of him who writes— or— perhaps — 
one other," she make answer with slowness. 

At the once knowledge of her so great 
secret grow within me and I think, "She 
also keepeth a diary and hath what they 
name in America — a Lover." 

To Dr. Ewing I arrive at the last. She was 
seated within the Hospital office writing in 
a small, black volume. Upon the outside 
of volume was writ in large, golden letters, 
D-I-A-R-Y and beneath, in smaller forms, 
Alice Ewing. All these things mine eyes 
beheld before I ask of her my question. 

"A Diary — why?" she make laughter as 
pleasant as the ripple of a tinkling brook. 
"What do you know about Diaries, Moon- 
flower?" Then came the Matron in so 
great haste to beg of Dr. Ewing that she 
come at once unto the bedside of Fuku. 
"She hath an attack," saith the Matron 
and was departed. 

"Remain here, Moonflower, and make 
speech with whoever come in," Dr. Ewing 
ask of me; and I with so great gladness sit 
down before the table upon which lieth the 
Book of the Golden Letters. For having 



asked my question of all the Honorable Ones 
and no Honorable One having answered in 
full I make resolution to look within the 
Book that the so great secret of success I 
may at the once learn. 

Many persons make entrance and de- 
parture into office. It seemeth best to make 
study of Book when none are present to 
divert my thinkings. When FooFoo (the 
Chow dog) and I are alone I make haste to 
open Book. Within, the volume was writ 
in parts. One part days of week; other part, 
hours of day. Also the writings of Dr. 
Ewing were of so great smallness, to translate 
produced much troubles. Thereupon I make 
selection of one day alone, that I may best 
interpret the meanings of its hours. This is 
them: 

From the Diary of Dr. Ewing: 

Tuesday — 

8 a.m. Withdrew mole-tooth from the mouth of Eng Muoi. 

9 a.m. No. i Cook's wife's sister-in-law make birth of big 

boy — weight, ia knocks or pounds. 

ii a.m. Transcribe letter of No to Y. M. C. A. Secretary. 

12.30 Dr. WardofF came to Tiffin. He hath given me 

six months to make answer to his clothes or suit. 

1 p.m. Unbound feet of Luey See. Delicious operation. 

Time two hours. 
5 p.m. Took from left ear of FooFoo bamboo tree. 

Upon mine ear fall the sound of approach- 
ing feet-steps. Thereupon I at the once 
close Book and go to look within the ear of 
FooFoo who is full of gladsome barkings at 
Dr. Ewing making entrance. To her, I 



present good-night partings and without 
delay make arrival at Dormitory where 
warmly wrapt in my Mieng of comfort I lie 
in readiness for sleep, but she come not. 
Upon her little bed in further corner my 
room-mate, Ging Muoi, make slumberings 
of so great audibleness I find not rest. 

Again and again I make repetition of Dr. 
Ewing's Diary unto myself. Again and 
again Ging Muoi make whistlings through 
noses with much warmth of expression not 
unto herself. By and by I arise and remove 
from closet, bamboo stick unto the bedside 
of Ging Muoi; she awake with much sud- 
deness and make end to whistles. At the 
once I return within my Mieng and come to 
so great decision — that on the morrows will 
I nothing of duties writer — but all, of hap- 
penings. Sleep comes to mine eyelids and 
I dream. 

2d Moon — ioth day — Upon yesterday fell 
the birthday of our Beloved Doctor Ewing. 
Miss Powers invite all to eat Tiffin at Faculty 
house. At the hour of noon we move up- 
ward upon Faculty steps, when our eyes 
behold legs and feet, only, of man making 
entrance upon Dr. Ewing's balcony. His 
upper parts were enclosed within a bouquet 
of much magnitude and his shoes were of the 
color of clay so that he present appearance like 
unto a single flower-pot of our gardens of the 
Compound. We call to mind the extensive- 



[40] 



ness of the feet and the inconsiderableness 
of the body of the most Honorable Secretary 
of the Y. M. C. A. and at the once make 
recognition of him. 

Miss Powers (our Honored President) 
come out and say, " Come in and have seat. " 
Thereupon we sit. Dr. Ewing make en- 
trance from balcony with much redness of 
face and we donate birthday greetings unto 
her. A bell ring and Miss Powers say, "Let 
us go into the dining-room." 

When all seated Dr. Ewing, invited, makes 
little prayer and the foreign feast begin, of a 
formality not like anything we know. We 
unfold napkins and spread them upon our 
laps to preserve clothes clean, and eat soup 
from the side of spoons which we push away 
from us, watching our Honorable Teachers 
with so great care because we know not 
what is the polite or what is the impolite. 
At close of feast Boy bring cups of smallness 
filled with coffee. Miss Sterling (our Ador- 
able Teacher) put hand over cup, we do like- 
wise, and say: 

"Before we drink of the coffee, Young 
Ladies, I will tell you of an American birth- 
day custom. It is called a Toast, and each 
one drinks to it standing. I will now make 
one to the health and longevity of Dr. 
Ewing. " 

All persons get to feet and Miss Sterling 
hold up cup and shake yellow curls and say 



[41] 



to Dr. Ewing with so great solemnity, "May 
your path be strewn with roses and your 
husband meek as Moses." We all put cups 
to lips when man's voice come loudly from 
doorway: "Impossible! The roses are all 
right, but Moses would not stand a ghost of 
a chance with Dr. Ewing." We turn as one 
people and behold the Community Doctor 
(Dr. Wardoff) standing in the doorway, his 
arms also full of flowers. Our Honored 
President grow much dignified then she re- 
gard Dr. Ewing all of an adorable pinkiness, 
and she sink within chair and make much 
silent laughter. 

Dr. Ewing take from Dr. Wardoff the 
flowers he hath brought unto her and cover 
her pinkiness of face in their blossoms of 
fragrance. 

No. i Boy make entrance with yet another 
bouquet of flowers of so great magnificence 
and say with much strength of voice, as he 
present flowers unto the arms of Dr. Ewing: 
"From the Son of the Consul." Dr. Ewing 
drop all flowers upon floor. Dr. Wardoff 
scowl, look see watch and say, "I must be 
off!" making departure of quickness. We 
Chinese girls pick up flowers and place them 
within the arms of Dr. Ewing. 

jd Moon — i$th day — This morning the 
Chinese boys from St. Marks arrive to Confir- 
mation at Chapel. Upon left of aisle-centre 
they were seated, all Chines girls, on right. 



Eng Muoi receive Confirmation and seem 
of so great humbleness, Cui Ai, sitting at side 
whisper to me, " Can the change of heart of 
Eng Muoi be of everlastingness?" I answer 
not, being much occupied with view of Hon- 
orable Head Master of St. Marks; a man of 
much magnificence of person. 

For the past Moon Eng Muoi hath made 
offers of lendings, bestowing upon other 
Chinese girls gifts of hairpins and bracelets 
and hath been of so great meekness, unlike 
her disposition of naturalness, that all 
Chinese girls say, "Unto Eng Muoi hath come 
the Goddess of Mercy." Now all know it 
is the God of the foreigner that hath made 
the difference. 

Cui Ai displayed unto me her Beloved 
Betrothed. A small man he seemed, seated 
upon the bench before the Honorable Head 
Master of Magnificence. 

We descend upon Chapel-steps one side; 
other side, descend Cui Ai's Beloved Be- 
trothed and Honorable Head Master. 

Miss Sterling say, "Cui Ai, do you wish to 
hold speech with your Betrothed?" Cui Ai 
and Beloved Betrothed stand all together 
before Miss Sterling. Dr. Ewing put hand 
upon arm of me, stop, say one — two words 
unto Honorable Head Master. Head Master 
speak back to her but Look at me. At the 
once my heart knocketh with so loud beating 
I have greatest fear that unto the ears of the 



Honorable Head Master will the sound there- 
of arrive. 

ftb Moon — ioth day — Today Dr. Ewing 
send for me. When I make entrance into 
Hospital-office Foo Foo bark welcomes and 
Dr. Ewing say, "Sit down, Moonflower, I 
have something to tell you." First she 
make speech of weather, next she make 
speech of health, last she make speech of 
Honorable Head Master of St. Marks, Quong 
Lee. It seemeth the Honorable Head Mas- 
ter of Magnificence having looked upon use- 
less me findeth my uselessness good unto his 
sight, and hath presented Miss Powers, 
through Dr. Ewing, an offer of marriage with 
useless me. 

"In America a suitor endeavors to learn 
if he is acceptable to the girl whom he wishes 
to marry before he asks her parents for her," 
Dr. Ewing make explanation. "Quong Lee 
is a Christian and knows of this custom so 
he came first to me. He is a fine man and 
would make you a good husband, Moon- 
flower — what say you?" 

Dr. Ewing sit on sofa beside me and smooth 
hair of useless brow, and look see deep down 
into my heart of uselessness and find there 
what I dare not to confess. 

Already, when yet a child, I was betrothed 
to the son of the Exalted Friend of mv 
August Father. Him I have never seen. 

All these things I tell unto Dr. Ewing, 



and she make arrangements that on the 
morrow I go unto the House of my Mother- 
in-law there to abide for such a time as it 
seemeth best, until I behold in secret the 
face of my Betrothed — for — "You shall not 
marry a man you have never seen; it is not 
right," say Dr. Ewing. 

4th Moon — 1 6th day — For five days have I 
dwelt within the House of my Gifted and 
Capable Mother-in-law who hath for useless 
me all kindnesses and considerations. My 
heart of guilt lieth heavy within my breast. 
Today, in cleaning of House, I give of help 
unto Capable Mother-in-law and in closet 
[obtain many Idols of uselessness. Long 
time I think so to say unto Capable Mother- 
in-law but have much fear. When she say 
unto me, "Hath the task of the closet come 
to accomplishment ?" I say, "No, not so," 
and tell to her of foreign cleanliness. "Be- 
hold!" I say, and bring to view most filthy 
and awful Idol, "These are dirty old Idols! 
Let us cast them forth and clean the closet 
rightly, " I speak on, fear forgetting. 

Capable Mother-in-law nod head. I open 
window and fear returning, throw Idols into 
garden with great shakiness. 

At noise of so loud violence Boy make ap- 
pearance in garden walking with four legs. 
One pair, own legs; other pair, wooden legs. 
Upon his shoulders, also of a difference, sat 
a head of much bigness. He upward look 



see. I downward look see. Horror come 
upon my heart! Capable Mother-in-law at 
the once close window but I have knowledge 
that my Betrothed I have now beheld. With 
him I can never, never to marry. Tonight 
will I send chit (letter) to Dr. Ewing that 
she may help me to make departure of quick- 
ness from the House of most Gifted and 
Capable Mother-in-law. 

jtb Moon — ist day — Last week I make re- 
turn unto College. All Honorable Teachers 
and Chinese girls give greetings of gladness. 
This place so dear home I make wish all time 
here to dwell, then before mind come the 
Magnificent person of the Honorable Head 
Master of St. Marks and I think to change 
wish. 

I tell unto Dr. Ewing of the Deformities of 
my Imperfect Betrothed and it seem as if 
I cry to death. If I do not will to marry 
with my Imperfect Betrothed, Peace of 
Fervid Mind and Ardent Heart will dwell 
no more within me. On the contrary, Life- 
long Disgrace will sit by side forevermore. 
Nevertheless I cannot to possess him for 
husband. 

This morning Dr. Ewing go unto my Aug- 
ust Father to tell to him the useless troubles 
of his most useless daughter. 

Firstly — August Father was of so great 
anger, his ears listened not unto Beloved 
Doctor making to speak, but he tell with 



[46 1 




C" 1 *""■ 5 

^2 <-h 



S3 

H 

S5 

o 



lengthiness and loudness of voice of meddle- 
some persons' intrusiveness. 

By and by August Father make pause to 
catch up breath, and Dr. Ewing quick to 
speak Deformities of Imperfect Betrothed, 
then August Father rest tongue and lend 
ears. 

Lastly — August Father is again with so 
great anger that his Official Friend (my Ex- 
alted Father-in-law) hath not related unto 
him the story of his son's misshapen members, 
August Father give of promise unto Dr. 
Ewing that if she can to make arrangements 
of honorableness with Exalted Father-in-law, 
he will not marry poor, useless me unto 
Betrothed of Deformities. 

At Tiffin arrive Community Doctor. With 
him Dr. Ewing hold much speech on Hos- 
pital-balcony. 

From balcony went Dr. Wardoff to House 
of Capable Mother-in-law there to make 
visitation upon Imperfect Betrothed. 

Tonight Head Boy of Community Doctor 
bring chit. I watch with carefulness Dr. 
Ewing making reading. She look see my 
interest of face and say, "It will all come 
right, Moonflower. Tomorrow afternoon we 
hold council. Run along to bed, now." 
I give unto her good night partings and re- 
tire within my Mieng but sleep not. 

$th Moon — 2d day — When sun glow in 
window I arise and make entrance into gar- 



[47 



den. It is my week to make daily providings 
of flowers and I prepare many bouquets, one 
of greatest importance. 

That I may know of Consultation Meet- 
ing, I ask of No. i Boy where shall repose 
my most important bouquet. No. i Boy 
say, "At Two of the clock, in Teakwood re- 
ception room our Honored President hold 
visitation of moment. Establish there the 
bouquet of so great importance." I so do. 
Thereupon look see all about. No person 
present. Quick I make withdrawal of screen 
to balcony window and go away. 

At Two of the clock I stand behind screen 
and give heed to August Father and Exalted 
Father-in-law making greetings unto Hon- 
orable President. Dr. Wardoff also make 
entrance. No. I Boy produce tea and much 
speech of so great politeness take place. 

"I am the bearer of ill tidings," say Dr. 
Wardoff unto Miss Powers. 

"I am sorry," say Miss Powers. "Speak 
on. 

Dr. Wardoff tell to her he has been to 
consult about son of his friend Wong Ging 
(Exalted Father-in-law make most honor- 
able bow) and that son's heart is of so great 
enlargement that at any hour may come 
death to friend's son. (August Father shake 
head in sorrow deep), Miss Powers much 
sad, much shocked, much surprised. 

Dr. Wardoff say on: "Therefore Wong 



Ging wishes me to state that it is with great 
sorrow he requests that the betrothal of his 
son to the beautiful daughter of his friend 
(Ling Ang) be now terminated. " 

Mental pain and much lamentation at the 
once come unto August Father; of so great 
sympathies for his Exalted Friend that 
tongue cannot to tell. 

My Exalted Father-in-law partake of pain 
and sympathies freely; with him, also, tongue 
cannot to speak sorrow. 

Destiny in face of August Father and 
Exalted Father-in-law dwells. I behold face 
of two from behind screen and catch at breath. 

My Exalted Father-in-law make begin- 
nings. "All things are possible to the Mighty! 
The Powerful are ever Generous! What 
sayeth my Mighty Friend? Will the loss of 
my most unhappy son make strainings of his 
Mercy?" 

"It is well," my August Father make 
answer. "Wong Ging, thou art a worthy 
father of a most worthy son. To be Master 
of Accidents as well as of Arts is for one 
Noble Person of great enrichment and gain- 
ing!" 

All Honorable persons arise and with cup 
of tea in hand take sip. 

On wings of thunder come sounds of 
bombs outside in City. I make movement. 
Window at back fall down; screen in front 
fold over. No person look see. All have 



[49] 



much callings from garden. Dr. Wardoff 
alone to me say, " Bombs mean much trouble. 
Go quickly and bid Dr. Ewing to come at 
once to Community Hospital." 

In garden I make pause beside Boy bring- 
ing chit. "Bad man think to kill Governor 
of Province," say Boy. "Twenty men dead, 
many maim on Bridge of the Ten -Thousand 
Ages. " 

Jth Moon — jd day — All of night we stay 
outside Compound at Community Hospital. 
Dr. Ewing grow so great tire I try to make 
lie down. She say, "No, No," and tell of 
one more leg to cut. Dr. Wardoff make ar- 
rival with cutter. Dr. Ewing help; I hold 
to sponge. Leg go off. Beloved Doctor 
face grow all of a whiteness; body sway, I 
try to catch but Dr. Wardoff give to me a 
push and take unto himself the body of 
unknowingness of Dr. Ewing. "She belong 
to me," he say. "Bring water." I bring 
of water and all time he say, "Darling — 
Dearest — Love ! " 

6th Moon — 1 2th day — It is night and the 
daylight sleepeth while the Moonbeams play. 
Fireflies make journeyings of pleasurings 
with their so small lanterns. Only the won- 
derful river Ping toils on in its silver bed. 
Under my window roses of fragrance beckon 
with heads of wisdom. Perhaps I may win 
the favor of the Gods ! The garden is full of 



the whisperings of Chance! Youth is head- 
long. I will descend. 

Later — When I depart into garden I come 
upon Dr. Ewing. By side walk Y. M. C. A. 
Secretary. He of inconsiderableness of body 
and extensiveness of feet. 

Dr. Ewing make silent beckonings to stand 
by side. I so do. Honorable Secretary of 
Y. M. C. A. most cross. "Send the girl 
away," he say, "I have not finished/ ' 

"But I have," Dr. Ewing say, with so 
great loftiness of head. "My answer will 
always be 'No!'" 

Then appear the son of the Consul and 
depart the Honorable Secretary of the Y. M. 
C. A. I make movement to proceed. Dr. 
Ewing link arm in mine and put stop to 
movement. Son of the Consul look see, 
with little sob make laugh and say, "So 
Moonflower remains. It's all the same! 
You can't put me off! I will say it! I love 
you! 

All time of speech Dr. Ewing try to make 
son of the Consul to stop. "Very, very 
sorry," she say, but of no use. 

With so great sadness the son of the Consul 
take leavings and we make entrance into 
Hospital. 

At our approach Community Doctor arise 
from shadow on balcony and stand forth in 
sheet of silver moonlight. 

Dr. Ewing make pause and face seem all 



of a whiteness in moonshine. Community 
Doctor say, "Is it yes?" and open wide his 
arms of bigness that Dr. Ewing may creep 
therein. No more she beckon, "stay here," 
no more link arm; and I make entrance into 
office with heart of so great heaviness. 
Strange sounds of Kissings (an American 
custom) follow after; I put up thumbs unto 
ears and it seem as if I would cry to death; 
no longer Beloved Doctor hath need of poor, 
useless me. 



Next day — Dr. Ewing tell to me this 
morning that all of arrangements are now 
perfection. To my Betrothed of Deformi- 
ties (that once was) hath mine August 
Father given his Tea-House in Shanghai. 

Tomorrow, to Teakwood reception room, 
at Four of the clock, cometh Quong Lee, the 
Honorable Head Master of Magnificence. 
To him in my so fine silken robes will I make 
appearance. The sun of my fortune is newly 
arisen! The event of my life approaches! 
It is well! 



M 



ery day since learning thatl 
upon me the so great honor 
fall to become Essayist, I have secretly and 
with great carefulness searched within the 
libraries of each of our Honored Instructors 
to find out what Essay is, and to gain in- 
formation about this thing. 

At last, O, so great happiness, I find in 
Miss Powers' library one great and impor- 
tant book called, "Essay on Man," by Hon- 
orable Pope; also one small, unimportant 
book called, "Studies in Prose Essays." 
Now surely all these things I can to know 
about Essay. 

All day, all evening, and again next day, 
I read most secretly, hiding book quickly if 
any one come near, for no one must know of 
these readings in Honorable Pope. 

"Surely," I say, "By and by I will find 
part easy to understand." Another day I 
read and hide away books, yet no more can 
to understand what Honorable Pope make 
meaning. This time head ache, / 
eyes ache, heart ache. Truly all 
too sad, too sorrowful. 

Next day have no heart to read 
more, but try one little while. 
Then, O too great joy, one part 
not before found reveal new mean- 
ing to me! Here all parts sepa- 
rate with large, plain numbers- 



1-2-3 — like questions in great Examina- 
tion. "Possibly," I say, "one Essay I can 
do like book of wisdom. " The great and 
wise book say: 

"Three roads are open for further expan- 
sion of the stimulation of the brain; for the 
sensory nerve finds three — 

ist — Other Sensory nerves. 2d — Sympa- 
thetic nerves. 3d — Motor nerves. The 
transference of its excitation to other sensory 
nerves, consequently the production of an 
accompanying sensation in the other than 
actually stimulated parts, must be confined 
within a narrow range." 

Wonderful! I think at once to begin; can 
surely write Essay of 1, 2, 3 parts, and then 
some one very learned will answer questions 
and I will all things know which for three, 
four years make deep trouble in my heart. 

O too great happiness, I will my Essay at 
once begin. 

Question I — Honorable Pope make much 
speech of brain, what meaning I know not; 
Chinese people oldest wisest people in whole 
world, Chinese people know all learning is 
put away in stomach. When men know 
many things all people say, "He have many 
characters in his stomach." 

Foreign people say not so, they say all 
learning put in brain, top-side head. For- 
eigner very afraid to let sun shine on head, 
afraid melt brain — perhaps mix characters. 



Dr. Ewing say, "Chinese must of Solar- 
Plexus take good care." I not know what 
meaning "Solar-Plexus;" yet I know Chinese 
people of so great age so great wisdom, surely 
all will of "Solar-Plexus" take great care. 

Question II — One year ago today Miss 
Sterling call me to room to transcribe for her 
a letter to a dear friend in Peking, this friend 
very fond Chinese letter. 

I make beginning so — 

Honorable and most learned Mme. 
Bing Ang. Bing Ang. 

"Your detestable and most contemptable 
friend wishes to know if you have eaten full, 
and if all of your household have eaten full, 
and are at peace. 

"Your August consideration honorably 
vouchsafe as I have the honor to rejoice at 
your august robustness. 

Then Miss Sterling stop me and say — 

"Read me what is now written." I read; 
immediately Miss Sterling begin action like 
one crazy — • 

"Robustness! — Robustness!" she cry out. 
" Do you not know that — Robustness — means 
fat — a most awful insult to offer an American 
lady?" 

Now what I wish most to know is, why is 
it that the most proper and polite Chinese 
is the most rude and impolite thing to write 
to an American lady? 



Question III — One day every body run out 
of House because of loud angry quarrel in 
garden between Sedia and his wife Eksaw. 

Dr. Ewing come quickly and say, "So loud 
talking must at once stop." Sedia say 
"Very sorry, Dr. Ewing, but what can do? 
If Eksaw want to be a man, and be boss, 
why she no put on skirts and be a man?" 

Then Dr. Ewing laugh and say: "O you 
up-side-down people." 

Why all people say Chinese make all things 
to stand on honorable heads, make honorable 
insides outsides, make honorable top sides 
down sides? Truly these things I cannot to 
understand. 

Question IV — Every body know Chinese 
people greatest inventors in whole world, 
invent gun-powder, printing press, compass. 
Why Chinese way not best and wisest? Why, 
in this College, every body say must read 
from front to back of book? Why say eye of 
needle, when they mean nose of needle? 
Why speak to learned person without taking 
eye-glasses from face? Why is it best to 
serve dessert at the end and not at the be- 
ginning of a feast? 

Dr. Ewing say one day when we go to walk 
in country, "This road just like one cork- 
screw," and ask of me the reason why? 
"Very good reason," I reply. "Chinese 
people know very well how to protect selves 
from Gui (devils). Gui always travel in 



[58] 



straight line, roads wind around, so Gui no 
can catch traveler." Dr. Ewing look at me 
long time then say, " Can it be that after so 
long time in our great College you still be- 
lieve such things as these?" 

To this I only make reply — "Perhaps 
when your country become same age as China, 
you will learn how true these things are that 
I tell you. " Then I take opportunity to 
tell Dr. Ewing why her friend's little child so 
very ill. Over the house in which this little 
child now sick to death grow vines, long vines 
that cover windows nearly up, and that hang 
down over roof, and doors, all truly most 
dangerous vines. Americans not know that 
Guis can enter house most easily where vines 
hang down over roofs and doors and windows; 
another most dangerous thing about this 
house is it have eaves about top side all 
turning down also. Now Chinese people can 
keep wicked devils out of all houses, all 
temples, because they know to build eaves 
to turn up, to throw devils into air, so no 
can come into house. I say surely baby in 
that foreign house must to die, and I feel 
very sorry, but can to do nothing because 
foreigner no listen to what poor ignorant 
Chinese girl say. 

I well know how with whole heart Dr. 
Ewing love this little child, so one night I 
creep out so still, and carry long garden 
shears, and climb on step-ladder of window 



[59] 



where baby so very sick, and cut away every 
little vine where hang down over window. 
That time very cold, very dark night make 
me very afraid, because angry Gui may 
come catch me protecting child, but I so 
much love little child, will try what can do. 
Next day Dr. Ewing say — "Dear little baby 
much better, now will to live. " I know and 
no other know why baby live, but I keep 
secret down deep in heart, and feel greatest 
happiness. 



[60] 



)R four days past have great 
Chinese New Year Feast 
'been celebrated. Third day the greatest 
day of all. Every where in land much feast- 
ing, much of fire-work, much of congratulat- 
ing. (Gung-hi). 

Out side Compound wall, can hear soldiers 
marching in day, can see processions march- 
ing by night carrying lanterns and torches, 
with much music and fire-works. 

Every body greet each other and say, 
" Seng Meng. Bing Ang. " All girls in Col- 
lege most happy, because Honorable Teach- 
ers say, "For one week we now turn over 
College to students; we nothing say, nothing 
do. Students must plan all things, arrange 
all things, what most like to do;" every one 
quite joyous. Second and third day have 
great secret, we most wonderful, beautiful 
surprise give Honorable Teachers. 

With large, red paper carefully written in 
black characters and folded into red en- 
velope, we invite all to Chinese 
girls' reception hall at eight o'clock 
of third day. 

Teachers much have wonder- 
ment. Girls all too great excite- 
ment. From village call No. i 
Good Feast Maker; he plan all 
things according to high official 
style. He say, "This feast must 




contain all very best; twenty-eight courses 
not enough, must have forty-two courses, 
with many special servants and on each 
table one Chafing dish." 

All day keep doors locked many girls work 
to trim hall make all look like one-piece 
garden, every one so happy, faces shine like 
flower faces, Coolies very interest, come 
bring much Bamboo, Poinsettia, make one 
large arch over fire-place like arch way in 
street, then fill up over top and side with 
Bamboo, Cryptomeria bough, and build an- 
other archway or arbor to top of room, where 
build high seats for Honorable Teachers 
where sit at feast. 

Many friends of girls send much beautiful 
lanterns, some look like fish, some look like 
bird, some like fire-balloon — all most large 
and bright. 

Coolies hang lanterns from top of green 
arbors, then Coolies bring much big log and 
fill stone fire-place, ready for great fire at 
night to make room bright. Have wood fire 
and lanterns, no other light. 

To make feast ready, twenty Coolies and 
girls work two days and nights, then great 
night come, and eight o'clock strike. Inside 
hall all prepare, all like one golden dream, 
great fire blaze up Chimney. Lanterns spread 
glow like red of sun set, all through green ar- 
bors, and through great room. A bell sounds. 
Ah, the Honorable Teachers have come! 



[62] 



Girls all stand in row beside the door and 
make low bowings as Teachers pass. Bing 
Ding invite to seats, and when all in place, 
girls also take seats and feast begin. 

After Miss Powers say little word of bless- 
ing servants bring in covered dishes, and 
place on tables. 

In middle of feast all suddenly begin great 
noise outside of hall, fire-crackers and rockets 
and Tom-Toms then all so still we very much 
surprised and know not who come to con- 
gratulate us. Then most wonderful, most 
beautiful Band begin to play under window 
and every body look at Da Hua because well 
we know it is St. Marks College Band and 
we know who is at the head of that Band, 
and why it plays for our feast. Da Hua 
dare not look up for she too knows it is for 
her that the Head Master is bringing con- 
gratulations thus. When the Band stops 
playing all clap hands for more, Miss Powers 
stand up and say, " Seng Meng. Bing Ang, 
and many times thank you. Ke Dang." 
Again beautiful music begin, and continue 
all through feast. 

When feast is finished we hear more large 
fire-crackers and musicians go away. Hon- 
orable Instructors stand and Miss Powers 
begin to make polite thank yous and fare- 
wells. 

Then I go forward because I have the 
Folk stories to introduce. I beg Honorable 



Teachers to remain a little while that we may 
relate to them some Chinese Folk-lore of our 
feasts and festivals, of which we have so 
many. 

Quickly, like magic, Coolies carry tables 
and other feast furniture away, and move 
seats to centre of room, where make one-half 
circle before fire, Honorable Teachers in 
centre, and girls sitting on floor all about 
each side. 

After some little explanations about stories 
of great enchantment to all Chinese people, 
I say to all, "Since this feast the very great- 
est of the whole year, we make selections of 
two other feasts for stories, and Cui Ai will 
tell the first story." 

Cui Ai at once came to centre of wide half 
circle, and after making little bow, take seat 
on low hassock, Miss Sterling whisper to 
Dr. Ewing, "She look like fire-witch with 
the great flames framing her black head, and 
those long braids sweeping out over the floor. " 

Cui Ai begin with voice much of shakiness 
at first, after awhile grow strong, and all time 
so clear so plain Chinese girls whisper to- 
gether that it wonderful to speak the diffi- 
cult foreign language so clearly. 

Cui Ai's Story. 
The Mid-Autumn Festival. 

Our country has a feast every year, on the 
fifteenth day of the eighth moon, to com- 



[6 4 ] 



memorate King Dong Ming who invented 
the Musical Instruments. 

This is the story: 

When King Dong Ming was crowned 
King he loved a Sorcerer and promised him 
promotion and set him above all the Princes 
that were in the land with him. 

One day the Sorcerer said to him — "I can 
take you up into the Moon," so King Dong 
Ming set many masons and carpenters to 
build a very high tower for looking at the 
Moon. 

The tower was finished on the fifteenth 
day of the eighth month, just on the night 
that the moon was full. 

That night King Dong Ming prepared a 
feast in the tower and sent for the Sorcerer 
to come and banquet with him. 

When they had feasted they saw a ladder 
set up on the tower, the top of which reached 
the Moon. 

King Dong Ming ascended to the Moon on 
this great ladder. When they reached there 
they saw many Moon Daughters all dressed 
in shining black robes, and crowned with 
flowers. 

When the beautiful Moon Daughters saw 
two men coming in they all stood up and 
bowed very low before them and treated 
them with great kindness. Every girl played 
for them her Musical Instrument, such as the 
Psalteries, the Cymbals, the Harp, the Or- 



gan, and the Tymbal, then they sang songs 
in one grand concert. 

King Dong Ming knew nothing more, until 
he found himself in a bed in the tower. 

The King was very much surprised to find 
himself in bed, and without having come 
down the ladder into the tower, and very 
much surprised that the Sorcerer was not any 
longer with him. The King remembered all 
the songs which the girls had sung to him, and 
also all the shapes of all the Musical Instru- 
ments which they had played upon for him. 

He sent for a skillful man and told him to 
make all the Instruments according to all 
that he had seen in the Moon. 

Then King Dong Ming taught the people 
the use of the Instruments. 

Chinese Musical Instruments date from 
that time. 

Then the people began to imitate King 
Dong Ming on the 15 th day of the 8 th Moon 
by making a feast with their friends and their 
relations every year. They expect that they 
can see the beautiful Moon Palace, and hear 
the music from out this Palace if they only 
listen. 

Ai Lang then took the story teller's place 
and began the wonderful story of the 
Winter Festival. 

Our Country has a Festival three days 
before Christmas to commemorate a family 
meeting again. 



The story is as follows: 

Once there was a man who wished to go a 
long journey, so he went down to a harbor 
and found a boat, he paid the boat hire for 
it, and then he went down into the boat, just 
then a mighty tempest was on the sea; the 
boat was about to be broken and the men 
were very much afraid; and the sailor think- 
ing to do something against the wind fell 
overboard and was drowned. 

Then the lone man could not bear up 
against the wind so he let the boat drive. 
The day went by, on, on the boat sailed, but 
no land appeared in sight. 

The lone man grew sadder and sadder, he 
neither ate or slept, but spent his time pray- 
ing to his Gods. 

One morning he saw many birds fluttering 
around his masts, so that he knew the land 
was near. 

Two hours after this the boat floated near 
to a great Mountain. On this Mountain 
many beasts had their homes. When the 
man realized this he was very much afraid, 
and he said to himself, "If I stay in this 
spot, in this boat I will starve soon ; and if I 
go out and up the Mountain I will be killed 
by the wild beasts." 

In the very midst of the young man's 
trouble and wonder who should come down 
the Mountain but a female Monkey. This 
Monkey was the Queen of the place; she led 



him to her cave and prepared a dinner for 
him, and sat with him at meat. 

After a few days the female Monkey made 
a stately bow before him and asked him to 
become her husband. 

Then the man said to himself, "If I do not 
consent to her she will kill me, so I shall have 
to marry her to save my life, and perhaps 
after a time I shall have a good chance to 
go back to my home again." 

So he promised to marry her. 

On their wedding day there were many 
little Monkeys who came to congratulate her. 

After a year the Monkey bore a baby to 
him. 

When the boy was old enough his Mother 
took him out to hunt for game, which they 
carried home for dinner. 

The man taught her to cook, so that they 
could roast the game quite nicely. 

One day the man got very homesick so he 
went out, wishing to escape from his wife. 
Just that time the Monkey and her son were 
returning from their hunt. When they saw 
him come up they were very angry and led 
him home. 

Next time she went out to hunt she left 
the boy at home to watch his Father. 

After another year the Monkey bore him 
another son. When this second son was old 
enough his Mother made him a bow and 
arrow, and taught him to shoot the animals; 



Cliff near 
the Monkey 
Mother's 
Home 




from that day forth she always took her 
second son with her when she went out to 
shoot, leaving the oldest son at home to 
keep guard over the Father. The man al- 
ways told this big boy about his home, and 
the big boy talked to his little brother about 
it, so that after a while the second boy be- 
gan to refuse to go hunting with his Mother. 

One day the man said to his sons, "If I 
go home I can only let one of you go with 
me," but they said "Surely we will both go 
with you," and the man saw that they would 
both go with him and he was much per- 
plexed as to how he could bring it to pass. 

One day soon after they saw a boat com- 
ing toward the Mountain, so they went down 
into it, the boat sailed away very quickly. 
When the Monkey came home and found 
that her husband and children were not there 
she began to search for them. Then she saw 
a great boat opposite her in which three men 
were sitting, she began to call to them and 
to cry, but the three waved their hands to 
her from the boat and gave her a silent fare- 
well. 

After a few days the boat reached the City 
in which the man was born. 

When the man came to his home and his 
wife saw him and the two boys, she was very 
angry, because she thought that he had mar- 
ried another wife. 

The man told her all about all his troubles 



and said, "If you will look at them very 
carefully then you will know that they are 
come from a breed of animals." When she 
so looked at the two boys she knew that this 
was true, and then she made a feast for him, 
and called in her friends and neighbors to 
come and rejoice with them. 

The two boys' Step-Mother treated them 
very badly and always scolded them, saying, 
"Of what good are you, sons of an animal ?" 
But after a few years the two boys became 
very famous Officers; and often talked about 
what their Step-Mother had called them, and 
after a while they went by boat to search for 
their own Mother. 

At last when they reached the Mountain 
they saw a Monkey coming toward them with 
full eyes; then they knew it was their Mother 
and they wished to carry her home with 
them, but she had grown very savage, so 
that they could not lead her home. Then 
they remembered that their Father had told 
them that their Mother liked things made of 
rice, so they made a kind of dough of rice 
and stuck it upon the trees or grass, when the 
Monkey saw this she was very happy and 
began to eat the rice from the trees and grass. 

The two Brothers stuck the rice upon every 
thing as they went upon their homeward way, 
and the Monkey came nearer and nearer to 
get the rice balls, at length she came very 
near to the boys' home, and they stuck the 



[70] 



rice balls inside the court, when the Monkey 
came in there to get the rice, the boys bolted 
the door, and locked her in a room, and 
gave her well cooked things to eat and treated 
her well. 

The hair on her body began to drop off, 
and she became very tame; and the two 
boys were very happy to get their own Mother 
again. 

The Monkey was tempted home by her 
two sons in the winter time two days before 
Christmas, so from that time the people 
always make a feast with their families and 
roll rice balls on that day each year. 

When people are rolling the rice balls they 
want the whole family present, because they 
think that if the whole family is together to 
make the rice balls, the whole family willi 
have peace and prosperity throughout the 
coming year. 



EJ /^JY~ eniuses are birthed not made. I 
fmmmmmkj' Of that, the truth, I have) 

confidence of the uttermost. Two posessions 1 
must be theirs — Longevity of Hair and Bil- 
liousness of Character. Likewise it is more 
better than a Father or Mother Genius has' 
made proceedings. Most best that a Grand- 
father Genius walks in front. Then, is all 
of most wellness and the Genius is of excel- 
lency birthed. 

No Honorable Ancestors of Geniuses have 
walked before me. No Longevity of Hair 
have I (since the all powerful fever raged in 
our Province) . No Character of Billiousness, 
the Character of me being of unimportant- 
ness. How then can I, not having been 
birthed with properness become into one 
Genius on the instant? It is of uttermost 
impossibility, albeit the American friend of 
Miss Sterling say she teach to me many fine 
words of American Slang most profitable in 
works of Genius. Only can the Goddess of 
Mercy and perhaps the Foreign { 
God a little, lend of aid to me in 
my extremities. To them I de- 
sign the Poem below, of which 
you shall have readings. To com- 
position, Poem take with much 
exactitude, six of hours and forty- 
five of moments. At endings of ( 
time, eyes ached and stomache 



[75] 




have yearnings but Poem come out. I have 
extensive happiness for I now have knowings 
that, if of eats I partake of littleness, and 
make annointments of hair that it may to 
grow, I shall yet arrive at the business of 
Genius. 

Give unto me of the sacred power, 
O, Goddess of Mercy, now, this hour, 
That into a GENIUS I may flower,^ 
Like silver dewdrops in summer shower. 

Yesterday Miss Powers say in class — 
"Some are born great, some achieve great- 
ness and some have greatness thrust upon 
them." Thus has the business of Genius 
been thrust upon me and I must get busy. 
For three days now, in searchings of library 
of Honored President, I come upon Eng Muoi 
also making searchings. She hide book, I 
hide book. Today I make findings of space 
of emptiness on book-shelf where yesterday 
stood Honorable Pope. Eng Muoi has taken 
him unto herself. Next where Honorable 
Pope once was and now is not, I found book 
of Honorable Lord Karnes, most evident 
a Genius with knowledge of Geniuses in- 
comparable. He says, "A Constitution ofj 
Warmth and Inflamableness must a Genius 
posess. Likewise a Delicacy of Taste and 
Sedateness." Three of these Constitutions 
have I — Warmth (of coldness I know not) 
Inflamableness (anger comes quickly unto my 
heart) Delicacy of Taste (is it not I who of | 
foods make selectings for our feasts?) But, 



[76] 



Sedateness, I have it not. Perhaps if I 
hump me and make trackings I can to catch it. 

We are making a journey, Miss Sterling, 
Ai Lang, Bing Ding and I to the Monastery 
of Dreams on the tall mountain Koshan. 
From the Compound we came in early morn- 
ing time by boat and now in sedan chairs we 
ascend into the clouds. At each placement 
of rest we stop. While coolies catch at 
breath and smoke at pipe, we drink of tea 
and watch at view. It is most wondrous. 
Trees of a growth extraordinary. Rocks of 
mightiness each bearing an inscription from 
the Classics. Down side of mountain, tum- 
bling into waterfalls over boulders of bigness 
flows a stream of the clearness of glass. Be- 
low, the "Happy Valley ,, stretches myriads 
of miles away, of green in shadow and gold 
in sunshine, all of uttermost beauty. 

There are steps of stone that one may ar- 
rive at Tea-houses higher up mountain side. 
I beg of Miss Sterling that I may to leave 
chair and mount up steps. All girls come 
and we climb, making readings of rocks as 
we go. I find great comfort in my reading — 
"With what little wisdom is the world gov- 
erned. " For the business of Genius makes 
me tired and tonight I must become fresh, 
like unto a daisy, for out of me must I cough 
up a Poem. 

We are nearing the Monastery. High in 



[77] 



air above our heads, the bell from the Tem- 
ple tolls. As we climb Miss Sterling tells 
of the wicked man who tolls it. For twenty-] 
five years he has made penance for his wicked 1 
sins. He was doomed to toll the bell and 
never speak; now he cannot to speak one 
word, but tolls on. That's not dead easy. 
I have of sorrow for that man. Tonight I 
will to compose a Poem to him. ' 

We enter the open court of the Monastery. 
All is of great stillness and peace. Only 
tinkling of fountain in centre of court makes 
soundings. Beyond fountain is lake full of 
brilliant colourings. By lake we make 
pauses and see that colourings are red, blue, 
green and gold fishes — most beautiful! At 
end of lake an old man sits by stand; on 
stand are cakes all strung on string like 
Chinese cash. We buy of the cakes, Bing 
Ding cut strings, and we enjoy much plea- 
surings in fishes feeding forgetful of hours. 
But Miss Sterling say, "The time is passing. 
If you wish your fortunes told we must go." 

We mount up stone steps and enter Tem- 
ple of the Prophets. Bing Ding, alone, 
makes way to Priest at altar and tells to him 
of her desire. From his Divining Sticks he 
makes selection of one and lays it upon the 
altar, then opens the Taheo (Book of Great 
Learning) and reads: 

The accomplishment of thy plans rests withl 
Heaven, The Spirits of the Earth , Sea and\ 



[78] 




"All is or Great Stillness and Peace' 



[Air are propitious, "thou shalt ride jar upon 
the Sea into Foreign Countries and return in 
safety, "the Earth Spirit gives thee great 
power in things political through thy marriage 
to a high official of thy Country. Seven 
worthy sons shall be born unto thee and thy 
days shall be full and many. 

Bing Ding was of manifest satisfaction 
when she join us sitting on seat at back of 
temple. 

We hike on up other stone steps to the 
Temple of the Moon. I enter with Ai 
Lang, Miss Sterling and Bing Ding making 
readings of Classics outside on rocks. 

Unto the Priest of Temple Ai Lang tell of 
her birth-moon, also hour and place of 
birthment. 

He answer thus: the right way leads for- 
ward; the wrong way backward. Unto your 
choice bring wisdom. Within four angles of 
prominence lies your life. Leo risings Cancer 
culminating, to your house Mars brings 
trouble but Venus overrules. You will bear a 
man child of exceeding greatness. Art is your 
talent; your hands your best posessions. See 
to it that you use them wisely. 

Ai Lang give promise of wisdom and we 
make getaway unto Miss Sterling and Bing 
Ding. 

Up yet another stone steps we mount to 
the highest Temple of all, set like a star in 
clouds at top of mountain— the Temple of 



Dreams. Inside of Temple most wonderful 
but at entrance of uttermost darkness. One 
step — two step I take alone (only one person 
can make entrance at one time) then comes 
light, soft like flush of dawn. Grows bright- 
er, most bright, until over all things the 
Spirit of Fire spreads its mantle of red. I 
walk on, each step in changing light; Orange, 
Yellow, Blue, Green and Vio'let. At last 
I make stand at foot of rainbow before the 
High Priest of the Temple. Strange, most 
strange ! Last night I dream of rainbow. I 
speak unto the Priest my dream. He make 
interpretation as follows: The rainbow you 
beheld in sleep is an omen of good promise. 
Likewise the street in which you walked in fear 
and darkness for Success crowns him who 
works to win. 'The violets you gathered at end 
of street were Happiness, Fame and Riches. 
All these shall be yours if you break not the 
string of Pearls that are entwined about your 
neck. Should one Pearl loosen and fall into 
space, Sorrow and Sadness shall be your por- 
tion. Beware of Accidents unto the Pearls. 

Much troubled, with hand to Pearls lest 
Misfortune come up with me — for clasp of 
necklace is of weakness — I make return 
through rainbow into world outside. 

"The shadows are growing," Miss Sterling 
say. "Come, we must get down the moun- 
tain to the boats at once!" 

Tonight after we reach Compound, I cut 



out dinner and make annointment of hair, 
also stir my stumps to compose Poem. 
Time — live of hours — ten of moments. I 
have much hunger. 

He sits in the belfry tower, 
Tolling the soft bell of Dreams. 
Four times he rings it each hour, 
Heaven with sound of it teems. 
Moons long past the Spirits said: 
"For untold Sins you must pay, 
Morning's gold but Evening's red, 
Your crimes must be paid each day." 
Worn and dark is He and old. 
On his soul his Sins have weighed. 
Twenty-five years He has tolled, 
Surely the price He has paid. 

This morning at Ten of the clock we march 
by two's and two's into Chapel, Honored 
President and Teachers leading. Cui Ai 
adorned in light blue silk following. To- 
morrow she marries. Today, Miss Powers 
trim Chapel and make for Cui Ai alone, 
Graduating Exercises most scrumptious. 

First come little welcome speech of our 
Honored President then Cui Ai arise and 
speak Essay on Faith in our beloved Neu- 
chang dialect. Sit down, and Chinese girls 
sing in chorus "Wings of Faith." Again 
Cui Ai arise and speak Essay on Hope in 
Classical Chinese. Sit down, and our Ador- 
able Miss Sterling sing solo, "Keep on 
Hoping. " Yet again Cui Ai arise and speak 
Essay on Charity, this time in English. Yet 
again sit down, and Chinese girls sing chorus 
of "Charity." 



Miss Powers make speechings of presenta- 
tions and unto Cui Ai give Diploma of Ex- 
cellency. All is finished. 

Cui Ai's Eager Betrothed, also Beauteous 
Mother and Sisters and Brothers also much 
beauteous Flowers make arrival upon plat- 
form at same time. All is most merry and 
of good fortune, and our sorrow that Cui Ai 
is not to wait for the graduation of the class, 
is now turned to joy fulness. 

Later, we go with Cui Ai to gaze upon her 
jewels and fine clothings. Her No. i Chest 
of red lacquer holds many garments of fine 
silk of soft warmth and richness. In the 
tray, numberless bracelets, hair-pins, brooches 
and other ornaments have place. 

No. i Chest, also of red lacquer, contain 
clothing more ordinary and household linens 
most plenteous. 

All the time Cui Ai showing Chests, not 
down in the mouth but having smilings. 

By and by I say, "Why do you look happy, 
CuiAi? Why do you not make cry ings? It 
is our custom." 

Cui Ai make response: "Because of our 
dear Miss Sterling. She say it is of utter- 
most foolishness to make marriage and cry- 
ings at same time. It is not the American 
way to so do. American lady make first 
marriage, no cryings, sometimes later make 
cryings, but not always. Also I have great 
and copious joys for in my house of littleness 



I am to live unto myself and husband alone, 
not with Able Mother-in-law. " 

We wonder at the manifold good fortune 
of Cui Ai. It is not to believe that she live 
not in house of Able Mother-in-law. I have 
much doubtings. 

I return unto my room and will to compose 
Poem on — "What is House without Mother- 
in-law?" hut Poem no come out. I am 
floored with completeness. Six bells ring 
but I go not. Again I make annointment of 
hair and cut out dinner. I find book of rhyme- 
words and choose this list — "Air-fare, Where- 
wear, Prayer-ensnare. " At the once I become 
up to snuff and Poem come unto me of so great 
quickness I have double joyings: Firstly, 
that Poem is of everlastingness of length; 
lastly, that with my rhyme-book, I can now 
become on to the job of Genius. Poem take 
of time, three of hours; of moments, four. I 
give of name unto Poem: 

"THE THREE GRACES." 

Long New Moons ago, Three Graces most fair, 
Dwelt under one roof. And combing long hair, 
Made wishes to ride in Red Wedding Chair, 
Enwrapted in Red Veil; and Wedding Dress wear. 

Most ancient was Faith, with belief that by prayer 
A Husband would come, appearing in air. 
Sun- time and Moon-time she'd pray, then declare: 
"He'll be here tonight; our roof-tree to share." 

Miss Hope was a Grace without any care, 
Hoping a Husband to her would repair; 
Her thinks troubled not. She hoped he'd be there, 
But how he would come was not her affair. 



Charity said: "Each our part we must bear, 
If we are to Marry. Men quickly scare. 
We must decide on the Time, Who and Where. 
Get up and get busy; Each, Do and Dare." 

Each Grace went her way a riding her mare. 

Hope rode on Hopings. Miss Faith rode her Prayer. 

Still they ride on and at Charity glare; 

Her Wedding took place 'mid trumpetings blare. 

The Moral is plain and not at all rare. 
Just praying and hoping failed for that pair. 
Be Up and Be Doing. Yourself never spare, 
If ever a Husband you wish to ensnare. 

With the shining of the Sun while yet the 
Moon has not gone to sleep, we six Chinese 
girls of the graduating class to which Cui Ai 
once belonged and now belongs not, come 
unto her room to adorn her for her marriage. 

We have friendly quarrellings over the red 
slippers of so great smallness, which she has 
made herself — as to who shall place them on 
her tiny feet — also we snatch at hair-pins and 
bracelets, to be No. i aid at dressings. 

Cui Ai pays scanty heed to the admonitions 
which her paid attendant is all time speech- 
ing unto her, but is full of cheerfulness at 
which we havemuchmarvelings. At last, atten- 
dant place red wedding-veil on head and we 
fasten many brooches upon red wedding-gown. 
Over the bride's small hands Bing Ding slips 
jade bracelets and all is in placement. 

The Mistress of Ceremonies (Miss Powers) 
enters and taking Cui Ai by hand, leads her 
into garden; we follow at distance of most 
respectfulness. Down the path they walk, 



past the wonderful red chair all of one blos- 
som, even the poles covered with vines and 
flowers, and up the Chapel steps. 

Inside Chapel, Miss Powers lead Cui Ai 
to altar where wait Groom and Minister, 
while Miss Sterling all time play Wedding 
March of Honorable Mendelssohn. 

Outside Chapel, Chinese band play and 
friends fire crackers with so great noisesome- 
ness that we can but hear Minister's word 
like whisperings. Whisperings cease, and 
Bride and Groom make proceedings down 
aisle side by side; Miss Powers at back, while 
Miss Sterling play Wedding March from 
Honorable Lohengrin. 

Chinese crackers increase in noisesome- 
ness. .Groom puts Bride in her chair of 
beauty and takes his own chair of plainness 
behind her. 

The Wedding Procession proceeds. At 
head comes Bride with her red lacquer 
Chests, Boxes, Bath-tubs and Household 
utensils, each borne on poles by Coolies. 
Following these are hanging shelves, one 
upon the other, all suspended by poles car- 
ried by four bearers, each shelf containing 
some sweet or cakes. The lantern bearers 
with lanterns of uttermost gorgeousness 
come next, then follow the Groom's chair 
and his men friends. Also many pyramids 
of beauteous flowers. Of a truth Cui Ai's 
Procession of Marriage is most magnificent. 



To the house of newness and littleness all 
in the Procession march on, but we go not 
until the evening of the sixth day. 

When Procession make arrival at house of 
Groom, men friends enter in and servants at 
the once begin to pass foods. Upon each 
tray must friends place coins wrapped in red 
paper, for this is a custom that all men must 
observe. 

All evening must Bride and Groom enter- 
tain guests; this time Cui Ai make intro- 
duction of so great foreign entertainments 
men cannot to make fun of poor, little Bride 
as before. 

After I look see Marriage Procession I re- 
turn unto my room and try to compose Poem 
of Wedding, but no Poem come out. One 
hour — Two hour — Three hour — then I crawl 
into my Mieng, a blooming idiot, for unto 
me has Poem given the go-by. 

Three days later Cui Ai make return unto 
College. With her comes her husband of 
newness; to them our Honored President give 
of feast. All graduating Class present. Cui Ai 
possess looks of happiness; husband possess 
looks of uncomfortableness. American friend 
of Miss Sterling say, "Gloomy Gus!" Miss 
Sterling laugh and say, "Oh, no, just too 
many ladies present. " I think I care not 
for Gloomy Gus husband; too much troubles. 

At feast I partake little of eats. At the 
once I get a move on and safe within my 



[86] 



room make yet again annointments of hair 
that I may to compose Poem. Time, two 
of hours. One of moments. 

As a Genius I am but a jest, 

As a Poet, not one of the best, 

For from North, South, the East and the West, 

All agree that they wish I would rest. 

Tonight have I become a Genius-Poet for 
finality, for tomorrow we graduate. There- 
fore will all Friendly Ones in reading of these 
pages have rememberings of that of which I 
before make statement — "That the business 
of Genius has been thrust upon me, who have 
no Ancestors of Geniuses — no Longevity of. 
Hair — no Billiousness of Character" — and 
excusings give unto me, a made — alas — not 
birthed GENIUS. 



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